SWAPS

Swaps are small crafts Girl Scouts/Guides give as gifts or trade with other Girl Scouts/Guides. Swaps can be really fun! Swaps can be designed for badge work, events attended and seasonal times of the year. Trading swaps encourages the girls to introduce themselves, make new friends and talk.

It is a good idea to have something to pin the swaps to, like a painters cap, bandana, bag, or banner.

Having a variety of swaps is good if your event is on the small side. If you are going to Peace Arch it is safe to have all the same since you will be trading with a very large group.

The number of swaps is up to you. If you have 10 you will get 10. If you have a girl that wants to bring 100 then she will want 100 in return and you may have have time for her to complete her swapping.

Take the time to explain these rules before your event so your girls will know what to expect! Remember that like any other social skill, meeting new people can be awkward at first, so give yourself time.

Check to see if there is a time set aside for swapping. Don't jump the gun if there is. For example at Peace Arch you can swap before the ceremony starts with the other scouts on the American side but once the ceremony starts you can't start swapping until the ceremony is completely over. If you do this make sure you save out swaps for the end.

Never deny swapping with someone who asks you.

Don't give away a swap that someone gave to you.

Don't use real food items on the swap (although dried pasta is okay).

It's nice to give a swap that has the troop number, event name, or date. If this information can't be included in the design of the swap, you can attach a little tag with the information.

Carry the items you want to swap in a bag or box. You can pin the swaps you receive on your hat, shirt, etc.

Always say, "Thank you!"